Raising balanced chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Through this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)

Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Suggestion: Stay away from providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to QH88 layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate excess weight achieve.

Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Check feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.

Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!